10 May 2008

Even though the day started out dull and threatening rain... barbeque season is in full swing!!! When at my local grocers the other day I found a few packages of multicoloured sweet peppers (a little passed their prime) at a phenominal price. I have had this recipe on the backburner to try for some time so thought this a perfect opportunity to give it a try. These can be served as a side dish or as the main event with a side salad.

This meatless dish was right up my alley, but you could also take your favourite stuffed pepper recipe and adapt it to the barbeque. Keep in mind that the filling would need something to bind it together such as cheese... the pepper is rolled around on its side.

Place rice in a colander or a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, cinnamon, and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low; cook until water has been completely absorbed, about 10 minutes (rice will be slightly undercooked). Remove the lid from the pot, discard cinnamon stick, and set the pot aside to let rice cool.

To prepare peppers for stuffing, use a paring knife to cut a wide circle around each stem (like when carving a jack-o’-lantern), so you end up with a cap that can be replaced once you’ve stuffed the peppers. Be careful not to puncture or rip the peppers. Clean any seeds and membranes from the cap and from the interior of each pepper; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with a wooden spoon until it’s light and fluffy. Stir in feta, raisins, mint, dill, parsley, lemon juice, pepper, and remaining salt. Add reserved cooked rice, and mix gently to combine. Taste mixture and, if necessary, add more salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Note that the filling should be quite salty to compensate for there being no salt on the peppers)

Divide rice mixture into six equal portions. Stuff each pepper with the filling and replace each cap, pressing caps into the stuffing so the peppers remain closed while on the grill; set aside until ready to cook. (If you’re stuffing the peppers more than 30 minutes before grilling, cover and refrigerate them. Let peppers sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes before grilling so that they cook faster and more evenly)

Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Once the grill is heated, place stuffed peppers on their sides and close the lid. Roll each pepper a quarter turn every 7 minutes or so to cook all four sides. The peppers are finished once the filling is hot, the skins are well-charred, and the flesh is soft to the touch, about 30 minutes.

If serving as a side dish, slice peppers in half lengthwise.

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

I love vegetarian yemista more so than the meat variety Mary. They do make a nice presentation Kevin.These would cheer up the dullest of days Judy, no Florida sunshine here:DBarbequed peppers are wonderful Noble even if you put them in a baking pan and bake them on indirect heat. Perfect all year round.Thank you Peter ..my daughter is taking me on a picnic tomorrow for Mothers day.:DYemista was the first dish I tried in Santorini ...my first day in Greece Peter G.

No mather what the weather is... there you go with your Barbeque!!! He, he! Keep it up :D I LOVE stuffed peppers!!!!! I do love them! although I'd change the feta for some pork sausage meat ;-)I LOVE your optimism too!

We've been looking for more bbq ideas and I honestly, love this one. Thought about purchasing a bbq book for in laws but told hubby I'm certain there will be great ideas floating through the foodie blogging world. ;)

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 12 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.